Fair-Style Sausage and Peppers

My dad works at an event center that hosts an annual fair – meaning I got VIP access to all the fair food. Fried cheesecake, slurpees, fried ravioli (which, if you’ve never had it, you are REALLY missing out) – it was all part of the fun, and we would wander around the fairgrounds finding something fun and new to try. A classic that we’d have to get every year was sausage and peppers.

Greasy, filling, and flavorful, this fair classic is an easy-to-make-at-home treat if you ever find yourself craving something nostalgic. Fill a toasted roll with sautéed peppers and onions, drizzle on some mustard if you like (I don’t, clearly) and get ready for greasy happiness.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage links – mild, sweet, spicy – whatever you prefer!
• Olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, sliced into strips/half rings
• 2 green peppers, sliced into strips
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup red cooking wine
• Sprinkle of red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Sandwich rolls

How To

1. Drizzle a little bit of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat and add sausages. Cook until mostly browned (not fully cooked), then remove to a plate.
2. Add a little bit more olive oil to the pan, then add onions, peppers, and garlic. Stir and cook until vegetables are softened and slightly blackened. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
3. Add red wine, pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then stir. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan. Simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce the wine, then add sausages back in and cover pan with lid. Simmer for about 8 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Toast your sandwich rolls, fill then with onions, peppers, and a sausage. Top with whatever additional condiments your heart desires, and enjoy!